A Literature Search

7/30/2019 A Literature Search

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1. IntroductionA literature search is a study of information and publications on a specific topic. If

you want to write a scientific article, it is important you are aware of all the literature that

exists around your specific topic.

The literature search is an important part of your research. As you can see on the image

below, it consists of many different tasks and you need to manage several skills to complete

a good literature search.

To start a good literature search, you have to know how and where you can find all

the relevant sources. After you found them, set up a system to organize all the literature

you have read. Once you have selected all the relevant literature, use it to ground your

research. The final step is to review what you have done, to make sure your search was

efficient and the outcome of your writing is purposeful.

Tip: If you search in different disciplines, you will have a broader understanding of yourtopic and methodologies.

2. Meaning of Literature SearchIdentification of what has already been written on a topic of interest.

Investigation of literature on research methodology

1. How to do a literature search? Define your topic: what is your main topic?


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Formulate good questions: separate main from secondary questions.

Choose your keywords; they will define your search.Think about synonyms, international terms,

Limit your search: which information is useful? Decide about the type of information you want and the information resources you

will use.

Set up a system to record the results of your search. Search the literature. Review your search: did you find all the relevant information?

2. Hypothesis2.1Meaning of Hypothesis

The word hypothesis is derived form the Greek words hypo means under tithemi

means place

It is a proposition that is formulated for empirical testing.

Proposition is a statement about observable phenomena that may be judged as true or false2.2Definition of Hypothesis

Hypotheses are single tentative guesses, good hunches assumed for use in

devising theory or planning experiments intended to be given a direct experimental test

when possible. (Eric Rogers, 1966)

A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more

variables. (Kerlinger, 1956)

Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between

an independent and dependent variable.(Creswell, 1994)

2.3Functions of Hypothesis Provides a study with focus Signifies what specific aspects of a research problem is to investigate What data to be collected and what not to be collected Enhancement of objectivity of the study Formulate the theory Enable to conclude with what is true or what is false

2.4Nature of Hypothesis The hypothesis is a clear statement of what is intended to be investigated. It is a powerful tool of advancement of knowledge, consistent with existing

knowledge and conducive to further enquiry

It can be tested verifiable or falsifiable Hypotheses are not moral or ethical questions It is neither too specific nor to general It is a prediction of consequences


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It is considered valuable even if proven false

2.5Types of HypothesisA. Null Hypothesis

The null hypothesis represents a theory that has been put forward, either because it is

believed to be true or because it is to be used as a basis for argument, but has not been

proved.

Has serious outcome if incorrect decision is made!

2.6Criterias ofGood hypotheses Identify the independent and dependent variables to be studied. Specify the nature of the relationship that exists between these variables. Simple (often referred to as parsimonious). It is better to be concise than to be long-

winded. It is also better to have several simple hypotheses than one complicated

hypothesis. Does not include reference to specific measures. Does not refer to specific statistical procedures that will be used in analysis. Implies the population that you are going to study. Is falsifiable and testable.

Writing Research Proposal

A research proposal is similar in a number of ways to a project proposal; however, a

research proposal addresses a particular project: academic or scientific research. The

forms and procedures for such research are well defined by the field of study, so guidelines

for research proposals are generally more exacting than less formal project proposals.

Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews and must offer convincing support

of need for the research study being proposed. Doctoral dissertations begin with research

proposal; the proposal must be accepted by a panel of experts (usually professors) before

the actual research can begin. In addition to providing rationale for the proposed research,

the proposal must described a detailed methodology for conducting the research--a

methodology consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field. The links

below offer explanations and examples of research proposals.


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How to write Research Proposal

There is no single format for research proposals. This is because every research project is

different. Different disciplines, donor organisations and academic institutions all have

different formats and requirements. There are, however, several key components which

must be included in every research proposal. The specific research problem will dictate

what other sections are required.

Key components are:

A description of the research problem.

An argument as to why that problem is important.

A review of literature relevant to the research problem. A description of the proposed research methodology.

A description of how the research findings will be used and/or disseminated.

Conclusion

Hypothesis provides guidance to proceed on certain definite lines; hypothesis helps the

investigator in knowing the direction in which he should proceed. Without Hypothesis the

research is unfocused, a random empirical wandering. The results cannot be stated/

studied as facts with clear meaning. Hypothesis is a necessary link between theory and

investigation

References

1. http://www.ctu.edu.vn/guidelines/scientific/scientific/2.1howliteraturesearch.htm2. http://www.public.asu.edu/~kroel/www500/hypothesis.pdf
http://www.ctu.edu.vn/guidelines/scientific/scientific/2.1howliteraturesearch.htmhttp://www.ctu.edu.vn/guidelines/scientific/scientific/2.1howliteraturesearch.htmhttp://www.ctu.edu.vn/guidelines/scientific/scientific/2.1howliteraturesearch.htm

Documents

A Literature Search